Analysis
At Minnesota State Moorhead, English majors carry less debt than most of their peers—about $1,200 below the Minnesota average and ranking in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of programs saddle graduates with more debt). That's a real advantage given how tight early earnings can be in this field. Starting at $29,491, graduates here earn slightly above Minnesota's median for English programs and land at the 60th percentile statewide, though they trail higher-tier state schools like UMN-Duluth by roughly $5,600 initially.
The earnings trajectory shows solid improvement: a 27% jump to $37,439 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90, the initial financial stretch is manageable compared to many liberal arts programs. However, the small sample size here—under 30 graduates in the data—means these figures could shift considerably with more data points.
For families committed to an English degree and preferring to stay in Minnesota, this program offers a lower-debt path with earnings that track respectably against state alternatives. The combination of below-average debt and above-median Minnesota earnings creates reasonable breathing room after graduation, though ambitious students might find better earning potential at flagship campuses.
Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $29,491 | $37,439 | +27% |
| St Olaf College | $29,398 | $45,989 | +56% |
| Hamline University | $27,863 | $43,525 | +56% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $31,258 | $43,114 | +38% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $28,145 | $39,290 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead | $10,336 | $29,491 | $37,439 | $26,488 | 0.90 |
 University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth | $14,318 | $35,118 | $38,944 | $24,191 | 0.69 |
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $33,999 | $35,593 | $26,500 | 0.78 |
 Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter | $54,310 | $33,456 | — | $27,000 | 0.81 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $31,258 | $43,114 | $20,500 | 0.66 |
 St Olaf CollegeNorthfield | $56,970 | $29,398 | $45,989 | $25,715 | 0.87 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.